This is a flash fiction I wrote for a contest. It had to be under 500 words, and that's really hard for me.

"I can't believe we are going to be working in Andromeda together! On the first expedition even!"

"It's great, Marcy," replied her husband, barely raising his head from the papers in front of him.

"Oh you! Just because you've been on these missions before! Show a little enthusiasm!"

"I'm sorry, hon. I need to get through these mining reports." His face contorted as he stifled a cough.

"John! Did you cough? What's wrong?" Marcy cried out.